Yesterday, March 2, 2015, Officers Lylana Jones-Henderson, Kenny Grubbs, and Anthony Willis from the District B-2 (Roxbury) Community Service Office were joined by Officers Terrique Chambers and Jean-Paul Limontas of the School Police Unit and Officer Charles Moore from the Drug Control Unit to visit the Winthrop Elementary School in Roxbury as part of the National Education Association’s “Read Across America” celebration.

The NEA “Read Across America” event began 18 years ago on March 2, 1997 to celebrate reading throughout the United States. March 2nd also happens to be the birthday of beloved author Dr. Seuss. The officers and the Winthrop Elementary students celebrated Dr. Seuss's legacy by reading his books and wearing the Cat in the Hat’s famous red and white striped top hat.

The BPD would like to extend their thanks to Winthrop kindergarten teacher Mrs. Torena Webb-Thomas for inviting our officers to spend time with the children. The officers enjoyed building positive relationships with the students and look forward to returning soon!

Note: The information above is preliminary information, and should not be considered official crime statistics. The information is based on an initial review of incident reports and may not be a comprehensive listing of events. It is not a statistical analysis, but rather an initial tally of significant events.

At about 3:30 PM on Monday, March 2, 2015, members of the City Wide Drug Control Unit executed two search warrants in the area of 14 Wheatley Way in District B-2 (Roxbury).

Officers were able to locate the target of the warrants after setting up surveillance in Roslindale earlier that morning. The individual was known to officers as a member of a street gang and known to carry a firearm. As the target approached the above address, officers stopped the individual and executed the first search warrant. Officers recovered keys to the target’s residence and were able to make a peaceful entry to the apartment.

During the execution of the second search warrant, officers recovered a loaded Sig Sauer Model 1911-22 firearm from under the mattress in the target’s bedroom in addition to a second loaded magazine.

Officers arrested 49-year-old male Kim Gross of Roxbury and charged him with Unlawful Possession of a Firearm, Unlawful Possession of Ammunition, and two counts of Unlawful Possession of a Large Capacity Feeding Device.

BPD Homicide Detectives Arrest Suspect Wanted in Connection to a Fatal Stabbing in Dorchester: Today, Tuesday, March 3, 2015, members of the Boston Police Fugitive Apprehension Unit located and arrested Takisa Williams, 30, of Dorchester. Williams was arrested and charged with Murder for the October 2014 stabbing death of Maria Sanchez, 26, of Mattapan.

At about 4:45 AM, on Saturday, October 18, 2014, officers from District C-11 (Dorchester) responded to a radio call for a fight in the area of 188 Washington Street in Dorchester. On arrival, officers located a female, subsequently identified as Maria Sanchez, 26, of Mattapan, suffering from what appeared to be stab wounds. The victim, suffering from life-threatening injuries, was transported to the Boston Medical Center where she was later pronounced deceased.

After a complete and thorough review of the facts and circumstances surrounding this incident, detectives were able to identify Williams as the suspect responsible for the stabbing. She was arrested at her Dorchester residence and will be arraigned in Dorchester District Court.

Community members wishing to assist this investigation anonymously can do so by calling the CrimeStoppers Tip Line at 1 (800) 494-TIPS or by texting the word ‘TIP’ to CRIME (27463). The Boston Police Department will stringently guard and protect the identities of all those who wish to help this investigation in an anonymous manner.

Note: The information above is preliminary information, and should not be considered official crime statistics. The information is based on an initial review of incident reports and may not be a comprehensive listing of events. It is not a statistical analysis, but rather an initial tally of significant events.

Note: The information above is preliminary information, and should not be considered official crime statistics. The information is based on an initial review of incident reports and may not be a comprehensive listing of events. It is not a statistical analysis, but rather an initial tally of significant events.

“Excuse me, sir. Can you tell me how to get to Sesame Street?” In this photo taken by a Boston Herald photographer in 1992 when “Sesame Street Live” came to the Garden, Boston Police Officer (now Lieutenant) Keith Dalrymple appears to be giving directions to a couple of very high-profile Boston tourists, Bert and Ernie! Over twenty years later, Bert, Ernie, and the lieutenant amazingly appear to have not aged a day!

This report was brought to you by Kermit the Frog (formerly of Sesame Street News, now free-lancing for BPDNews.com), the letter C, and the number 5.

In addition to the three firearms that BPD officers took off the streets of Boston during search warrants executed in the early morning hours on Friday, February 27, 2015, officers from District A-7 (East Boston) recovered a fourth firearm and arrested two suspects during several drug transactions on Friday evening. The facts of the incident are as follows:

At about 6:15 PM on Friday, February 27, 2015, members of the District A-7 (East Boston) Drug Control Unit were conducting surveillance in the Maverick Square/Jeffries Point Area of East Boston due to numerous complaints of drug activity and an earlier call for shots fired in the area of 152 Sumner Street.

As officers patrolled the area, their attention was drawn to the suspicious behavior of an unknown black male, later identified as a 15-year-old juvenile from East Boston, in the area of 37 Lamson Street. As the officers continued to monitor this juvenile, they observed him enter a dark vehicle, make what the officers believed to be a street-level drug transaction, then exit the car after a short drive around the block. Officers were able to stop the operator of the vehicle and recover drugs that were observed in plain sight. The operator of the vehicle, 29-year-old Daniel Frometa of Winthrop, was arrested and charged with Possession of Class A Drugs.

Meanwhile, as officers continued to monitor the juvenile, they observed him meet a third male known to officers from previous drug investigations. At this time, the juvenile made motions consistent with another street-level drug transaction. As officers approached, the juvenile made gestures consistent with those of a person who may be armed. Fearing the presence of a firearm, officers conducted a frisk of the juvenile and recovered a loaded silver and black AMT .45 caliber firearm.

The juvenile was placed under arrest and charged with Delinquint to wit: Unlawful Possession of a Firearm, Unlawful Possession of Ammunition, Carrying a Loaded Firearm, and Distribution of Class A Drugs (Heroin). During the booking process, officers also recovered a plastic bag containing marijuana, and the juvenile was issued a civil citation for the infraction.

Yesterday, Friday, February 27, 2015, members of the Boston Police Department saw to fruition several lengthy investigations that allowed officers to confiscate multiple guns and large quantities of drugs, as well as shut down an active drug business in the City of Boston. The facts and circumstances are as follows:

In the early morning hours of Friday, February 27, 2015, with the assistance of BPD SWAT, members of the City Wide Drug Control Unit executed a search warrant after a lengthy investigation in the area of 11 Woodbine Street in Roxbury.

Seized and recovered as a result of this warrant were:

One Sig Sauer 9mm firearm loaded with 6 rounds of ammunition

Eighty-three rounds of .30 caliber Carbine ammunition

Marijuana

Crack Cocaine

Twenty-four-year-old John Pelzer of Roxbury was arrested and charged with Unlawful Possession of a Firearm and Unlawful Possession of Ammunition.

Twenty-one-year-old Xavier Niles-Charles of Hyde Park was arrested and charged with Possession with Intent to Distribute Class D Drugs and Unlawful Possession of Ammunition.

A third suspect was summons to court for Possession with Intent to Distribute Class B Drugs.

Shortly after the above incident, on the morning of Friday, February 27, 2015, members of the District E-5 (West Roxbury) Drug Control Unit, the District C-6 (South Boston) Drug Control Unit, and the Boston Regional Intelligence Center (BRIC) executed multiple search warrants as part of a two-month long drug investigation of a citywide drug distribution ring in the areas of 91 Esmond Street in Dorchester and 108 Greenfield Road in Mattapan.

During the execution of these warrants, officers recovered and seized the following:

Officers arrested six individuals with extensive criminal histories in relation to these warrants. The individuals and their charges are as follows:

Thirty-two-year-old Angel Santiago (AKA Jose Santiago) of Mattapan for Trafficking Class A Drugs in excess of 200 grams, Trafficking Class B Drugs in excess of 28 grams, Distribution of Class A and Class B Drugs, Unlawful Possession of a Firearm, Unlawful Possession of Ammunition, and other firearm related charges.

Thirty-three-year-old Fernando Rodriguez of Mattapan for Trafficking Class A Drugs in excess of 200 grams, Trafficking Class B Drugs in excess of 28 grams, Unlawful Possession of a Firearm, and Unlawful Possession of Ammunition.

Thirty-five-year-old Jose Santiago (AKA Juan Santiago) of Mattapan for Conspiracy to Violate the Drug Laws and other related charges.

Great Work Recognized: Commissioner Commendations Presented to Police Officers Matthew Carey, Jenna Cullity, John Feeney, David Malcolm & Luis Velasquez - At 3:40am, on November 6, 2014, officers were on patrol in the area of Tufts Street and Walford Way when they observed a motor vehicle matching the description of a vehicle wanted in connection to an earlier shooting incident that had resulted in a homicide on Main Street in Charlestown. The same vehicle was also involved in a hit-n-run accident on Medford Street. Upon seeing the car, which was stopped at a traffic signal, Officer Cullity called off on her location and promptly activated lights and sirens. Although the suspect’s vehicle remained at the traffic signal, the officer noted the operator failed to place the motor vehicle into park. At this time, Officers Carey and Malcolm showed up on scene and immediately pulled in front of the suspect’s motor vehicle preventing it from fleeing the scene.

Fearing the presence of a weapon, officers immediately instructed both the operator and passenger of the vehicle to show their hands. However, instead of showing his hands, the operator of the car continued to reach into the back seat. At this time, officers observed a firearm on the floor behind the front seat. As the suspect continued to move towards the back seat, officers fought to maintain control of the suspect’s hands and arms. With the arrival of Officers Velasquez and Feeney, Officers Cullity, Carey and Malcolm were able to subdue and arrest both suspects.

For their remarkable restraint, courage and commitment to protecting and serving the citizens of our city, Officers Velasquez, Feeney, Cullity, Carey and Malcolm are each awarded a Commissioner’s Commendation.

Daily Dose of Great Police Work: Ever Attentive Bank Customer Helps BPD Officers Pinpoint Location of Bank Robber in Dorchester: At about 12:53pm, on Thursday, February 26, 2015, officers from District C-11 (Dorchester) responded to a call for a bank robbery in progress at 494 Gallivan Blvd (Members Plus Credit Union) in Dorchester. On arrival, officers spoke with bank employees who stated that a white male entered the bank, walked up to a teller and passed a hand-written note demanding money. After getting an undisclosed amount of US currency, the suspect – described as described as a white male, about 5’8” tall, wearing a blue stocking Patriots hat, black scarf, black jacket, gray pants and gray gloves - exited the bank and fled the area on foot. Officers promptly broadcast a description of the suspect over the police radio. However, in short time, officers received a huge helping hand when a customer inside the bank during the robbery observed the suspect walking in the area of Oakton Ave and immediately called 911. Officers promptly proceeded to that location where they located an individual who matched the description of the suspect. While approaching the suspect, officers instructed him to remove his hands from his pockets. When the suspect removed his hands, officers quickly noted that the suspect was wearing gray gloves. A search of the suspect enabled officers to locate a ski mask and Patriots hat found on the suspect’s person. The suspect was transported back to the bank where, once there, he was positively identified by bank personnel.

Officers arrested Pat Howard, 35, of Dorchester and charged him with Bank Robbery.

BPD Homicide Detectives Arrest Two Suspects Wanted in Connection to Fatal Shooting in the area of West Cottage & Dudley Streets: Today, Thursday, February 26, 2015, members of the Boston Police Fugitive Apprehension Unit and U.S. Marshals Task Force located and arrested Paul Francis, 24, of Quincy and Markeese Skinner, 27, of Dorchester. Both Francis and Skinner will be charged with Being Accessories after the fact to Murder, Unlawful Possession of a Firearm and Possession of a Firearm with Obliterated Serial Numbers. Both suspects were arraigned today in Roxbury District Court.

On Wednesday, December 17, 2014, officers responded to a call for a person shot in the area of West Cottage & Dudley Streets. On arrival, officers located a male victim suffering what appeared to be gunshot wounds. The victim, who was later pronounced deceased, was identified as William Davis, 20, of Boston.

After a complete and thorough review of the facts and circumstances surrounding this incident, detectives were able to identify one primary suspect and two individuals, Francis and Skinner, deemed accessories to the crime after the fact. The primary suspect, Amir Richardson, 23, of Boston, has yet to be apprehended. Anyone with information relative to Richardson’s whereabouts is asked to call the Boston Police Homicide Unit at (617) 343-4470.

Community members wishing to assist this investigation anonymously can do so by calling the CrimeStoppers Tip Line at 1 (800) 494-TIPS or by texting the word ‘TIP’ to CRIME (27463). The Boston Police Department will stringently guard and protect the identities of all those who wish to help this investigation in an anonymous manner.

BPD Homicide Detectives Arrest Second Suspect in Connection to Fatal Shooting in Jamaica Plain: At about 10:35AM, on Wednesday, February 11, 2015, officers from District E-13 (Jamaica Plain) were on patrol in the area of 891 Centre Street when they heard the sound of gunshots. After hearing the gunshots, officers observed an individual running away from the scene. While pursuing the suspect on foot, officers observed the suspect point and discharge a firearm in their direction. In spite of the clear and present danger, the officers continued their pursuit of the suspect and ultimately were able to detain and subdue him a short distance from the scene. Officers arrested the suspect, Josiah Zachery, 18, of Hyde Park and charged him with Murder. A search of the area of enabled officers to locate the firearm.

The victim, who was pronounced deceased at the scene, was later identified as Kenny Lamour, 21, of Hyde Park.

After a complete and thorough review of the facts and circumstances surrounding this incident in the days after the shooting, officers were able to identify a second suspect wanted in connection to the shooting. On Thursday, February 26, 2015, members of the Boston Police Department’s Fugitive Apprehension Unit today arrested Donte Henley, 24, of South Boston and charged him with Murder. Henley is expected to be arraigned tomorrow in West Roxbury District Court.

Said Commissioner William Evans: “In broad day light, on a congested city street, two individuals conspired and succeeded in taking the life of a young man who deserved better. Given the brazen nature of this incident, it was essential to find those responsible and bring them to justice and I’d like to thank the men and women of Boston Police Department for doing just that.”

Community members wishing to assist this investigation anonymously can do so by calling the CrimeStoppers Tip Line at 1 (800) 494-TIPS or by texting the word ‘TIP’ to CRIME (27463). The Boston Police Department will stringently guard and protect the identities of all those who wish to help this investigation in an anonymous manner.

Cops and Kids Do their Share of Listening & Learning during Youth Police Dialogue Series: Tonight, Wednesday, February 25, 2014, in the latest edition of the Youth Police Dialogue series, officers assigned to the Youth Violence Strike Force sat down with kids from the Teen Empowerment Center. During tonight’s discussion, mutual respect took center stage as the cops and kids shared ideas about improving and enhancing the relationship that exists between the kids and the officers sworn to protect and serve them. Said one of the officers attending tonight’s discussion: “I love these discussions with the young people in our community. The conversations are genuine and real and, at the end of the day, we get a chance to better understand the kids and the issues impacting them and, hopefully, they get a chance to better understand that we’re here to help them and answer any questions they may have about how we do our jobs. But, without a doubt, the time we spend interacting with our city’s young people is time well spent.”

The Republic of Georgia on Our Mind & in Our City: A group of law enforcement officers from the Republic of Georgia traveled over 5,000 miles to spend time visiting, observing and learning how officers from the Boston Police Department go about the business of community policing. Specifically, the officers from Georgia were most interested in the relationship building aspect of community policing through youth activities and athletic endeavors, as well as, the importance of partnership building. Said one Georgian official: “We hope this experience will help us develop and strengthen Georgian community-based programs that bring youth and police together to promote positive growth and healthy lifestyles among youth and strengthen community policing practices.” During their stay, members of the Georgian delegation met with Bill Stoddard of the Boston Police Athletic/Activities League, stopped by St. Peter’s Teen Center to watch a basketball game between the kids from the teen center and officers assigned to the BPD’s Bike Patrol Unit, and capped off their two day trip to Boston with a round table discussion with Commissioner Evans and several members of the BPD command staff. During the discussion, a member of the Georgian delegation asked the Commissioner to define the role of the Boston Police Department. In answer to the question, the Commissioner shared the following: “We don’t consider ourselves as just law enforcement. We consider ourselves one of the many community partners working together to make our city safe. It’s a team effort. And when we work together as a team, great things happen.”

Today, Wednesday, February 25, 2015, Boston Police Superintendent-in-Chief William Gross sat down with New England Cable News (NECN) anchor Latoya Edwards for a conversation about his life, career, and Black History Month. Here are some behind-the-scenes shots of the interview. Be sure to catch the segment, which will air tomorrow, Thursday, February 26, 2015, on NECN.

BPD Officers Track Down & Arrest Individual Wanted in Connection to Three Armed Robberies in Roxbury

The facts and circumstances of the incidents are as follows:

INCIDENT #1: At about 7:10PM, on Thursday, February 12, 2015, officers responded to a call for an armed robbery report that had happened a few hours earlier in the area of Calumet & Pequot Streets. On arrival, officers spoke to the victim who stated that he was walking in the area of Calumet & Pequot Streets at about 3:00pm when the suspect (described as a black male with a beard, approximately 6’0” tall, about 240 lbs, wearing a gray winter hat, black hooded sweatshirt and blue jeans) approached him, made a gesture to his waist area to suggest he was in possession of a gun and demanded money from the victim. According to the victim, the suspect then led the victim to two different ATM locations where the suspect then ordered the victim to withdraw money. After getting money from both ATM locations, the victim states the suspect took off.

INCIDENT #2: At about 6:57PM, on Friday, February 20, 2015, officers responded to a call for an armed robbery on Calumet Street. On arrival, officers spoke to the victim who stated he was walking on Calumet Street when an unknown black, holding his hand inside his jacket pocket in such a way as if to suggest he was in possession of a gun, walked up to him and demanded money. According to the victim, the suspect then led the victim to a nearby ATM where the suspect then ordered the victim to withdraw money. After getting money from the ATM, the suspect took off. The victim describes the suspect as a black male with scruffy, full facial hair, 25 to 30 years in age, about 200 lbs, wearing a black jacket with a hood and dark pants.

INCIDENT #3: Three days later, at about 8:30PM, on Monday, February 23, 2015, officers responded to a call for an armed robbery at 1576 Tremont Street (Punjab Mini Mart) on Mission Hill. On arrival, officers spoke to the victim who stated he was robbed at gun point by a black male with a full beard, in his 30's, wearing a black coat, black jeans and gloves. The victim states that the suspect approached him in the area of 38 Calumet Street, told him he had a gun, demanded the victim’s money and then led the victim to a nearby ATM, located inside the Punjab Mini Mart, where the suspect ordered the victim to withdraw money. After getting money from the ATM, the suspect took off.

After a complete and thorough investigation, detectives from District B-2 (Roxbury) were able to establish the identity of the suspect wanted in connection to all three incidents. After establishing the suspect’s identity, detectives learned that the suspect was on probation and being monitored by the Massachusetts Probation Service's Electronic Monitoring Program and was last seen in Lynn. On Tuesday, February 24, 2015, with help from the Lynn Police Department, Boston Police detectives were able to locate and apprehend the suspect in the area of 300 Washington Street in Lynn. A search of the suspect enabled officers to locate and seize two black airsoft or replica firearms.

Officers arrested Abram Acevedo, 33, of Boston and charged him with three counts of Armed Robbery and Kidnapping.

Making a Difference: On Tuesday, February 24, 2015, Deputy Superintendent John Brown and Senior Criminalist Kevin Kosiorek spent time with the kids from the BELL (Building Educated Leaders for Life) Program. The BELL Program is designed to help high school students learn about careers they may want to one day pursue and enter upon graduating from college. Tonight, Deputy Superintendent John Brown and Senior Criminalist Kevin Kosiorek not only talked to the kids about their own careers in law enforcement but they also set some time aside to give the kids a tour of the BPD’s Crime Lab.

At about 8:55 PM on Monday, January 26, 2015, officers from District B-2 (Roxbury) responded to a radio call for a person down in the area of 8 Shetland Street in Roxbury.

Upon arrival in the area, officers observed a male victim lying in the street suffering from stab wounds. The victim was transported by Boston EMS to Boston Medical Center where he was later pronounced deceased. The victim has since been identified as28-year-oldCharles Floydof Dorchester.

The Boston Police Homicide Unit has released the above photos of a person of interest in relation to this incident and requests the public’s help in identifying the individual pictured. This person is NOT wanted at this time.

Anyone with information is strongly urged to contact the Boston Police Homicide Unit at (617) 343-4470. Community members who wish to assist this investigation anonymously may call the CrimeStoppers Tip Line at 1-(800)-494-TIPS. You may also text the word ‘TIP’ to CRIME (27463). The Boston Police Department stringently protects the identities of those who wish to remain anonymous.